Optimization of Process Parameters for Glycol Unit to Mitigate the Emission of BTEX/VOCs

Abstract

Abstract Recent developments in environmental regulations have made emissions of the aromatic compounds Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl-Benzene, and Xylene isomers (BTEX) and other Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from glycol units a major concern for the natural gas industry. Hence, quantifying the absorption levels has become more important in recent years due to increased restrictions on BTEX/VOC Emissions from glycol dehydration units. This problem is one, which requires careful attention in the design phase, and also the environmental considerations as mentioned above are increasingly driving the selection and operation of process alternatives to reduce the BTEX/VOCs emissions in the atmosphere. In this paper, we will focus the study on one of the glycol dehydration unit for one of the onshore petroleum fields at Abu Dhabi managed by ADCO. Firstly, we quantify the BTEX/VOCs emission levels vented out to atmosphere, along with a description of the sampling technique used. Secondly, we optimize the process parameters around all major equipments in the glycol unit, i.e. absorber, flash tank, and regenerator. The optimization study will start by building a process simulation model which is based on actual design data given by the glycol unit vendor and verified by operational data.